TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo spoke up about the International Federation of Association Football's (FIFA) decision to remove Indonesia as the host for the U-20 World Cup, after receiving the report from the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir on Wednesday, March 30. He stated that the decision of the world soccer’s governing body must be respected.

“I know that this decision has disappointed many people. So am I. I am disappointed and sad,” Jokowi said in an official statement, Thursday, March 30.

FIFA decided to strip Indonesia’s right to host the football tournament after many rejections of the Israel team’s participation. Erick immediately met FIFA in Qatar, but the negotiation was not successful. The decision was announced after a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and PSSI chairman Erick Thohir in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, March 29.

Jokowi appealed to the public not to waste energy blaming each other. As a big nation, he said, Indonesian people must look forward rather than look back.

The public is asked to make this a valuable lesson for national football. Jokowi also said that he asked Erick to make every effort to prevent Indonesia from getting a sanction. “Including the opportunity to host other international events,” the state head said.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO

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